Messi Scores Late Winner on Return as Inter Miami Beat Galaxy 3-1

Lionel Messi marked his return from a right-hamstring strain with a decisive late cameo, scoring in the 84th minute and supplying an assist five minutes later to lift Inter Miami to a 3–1 home win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale. Jordi Alba had given Miami the lead in the 43rd minute, but the defending MLS Cup champions drew level through Joseph Paintsil just before the hour. Brought on at halftime for his first appearance since 2 August, Messi restored the advantage with his league-leading 19th goal of the season and set up Luis Suárez for the clincher moments later. The victory moves Inter Miami to 45 points, fourth in the Eastern Conference and three games in hand on first-place Philadelphia Union, while the Galaxy remain anchored at the bottom of the Western Conference. Coach Javier Mascherano said the plan was to give Messi approximately 45 minutes to regain rhythm ahead of Wednesday’s Leagues Cup quarter-final against Tigres UANL.